Tips on how to stay safe during the holiday season

Published: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 8:13 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 2:59 p.m.

With the holiday season in full swing, public safety organizations are offering tips for how to stay safe and healthy during this special time of year.

The University of Florida Police Department notes in a news release that as students leave for the holidays, criminals often come onto the campus and target offices and the few people remaining. Staff is urged to lock and secure all windows and doors.

If you are going to be alone in a building let someone know where you are and when they should expect you home. If you discover open doors that should be secured, or you find people inside your building who don’t belong, call UPD.

If you are on campus at night, park as close as possible to your destination in well-lit areas. If you are alone, call UPD for an escort.

Gainesville Fire Rescue, as part of its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” campaign, is asking the public to use some safety precautions to prevent fires this holiday season, according to a news release.

*Lights should be checked to make sure they are in good condition. Lights with frayed or cracked wires should be thrown out. Never put the cords under carpets or rugs.

*Outdoor lights should not be used inside.

*Don’t exceed the listed sets of light that can be used with an extension cord. Do not use more than the recommended sets of lights on each circuit. And do not use lights on a metallic tree.

*Water trees often. The needles should not come off in your hand. The tree should be deep green in color, and the trunk should be sticky with sap. Place your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces.

GFR has wreaths at several fire stations and will illuminate the wreath at Station One at 427 S. Main St. starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The wreath will have green light bulbs, which will be replaced by red lights for each fire that occurs over the holidays.

<p>With the holiday season in full swing, public safety organizations are offering tips for how to stay safe and healthy during this special time of year.</p><p>The University of Florida Police Department notes in a news release that as students leave for the holidays, criminals often come onto the campus and target offices and the few people remaining. Staff is urged to lock and secure all windows and doors.</p><p>If you are going to be alone in a building let someone know where you are and when they should expect you home. If you discover open doors that should be secured, or you find people inside your building who don't belong, call UPD.</p><p>If you are on campus at night, park as close as possible to your destination in well-lit areas. If you are alone, call UPD for an escort.</p><p>Gainesville Fire Rescue, as part of its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” campaign, is asking the public to use some safety precautions to prevent fires this holiday season, according to a news release.</p><p>*Lights should be checked to make sure they are in good condition. Lights with frayed or cracked wires should be thrown out. Never put the cords under carpets or rugs.</p><p>*Outdoor lights should not be used inside.</p><p>*Don't exceed the listed sets of light that can be used with an extension cord. Do not use more than the recommended sets of lights on each circuit. And do not use lights on a metallic tree.</p><p>*Water trees often. The needles should not come off in your hand. The tree should be deep green in color, and the trunk should be sticky with sap. Place your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces.</p><p>GFR has wreaths at several fire stations and will illuminate the wreath at Station One at 427 S. Main St. starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The wreath will have green light bulbs, which will be replaced by red lights for each fire that occurs over the holidays.</p>